Body odor: It’s an embarrassing topic, but we’ve all been there at some point in time.
Body odor is a common problem. Commercial chemicals and artificial-scent sprays may be a temporary way to control body odor, but they often don’t address the underlying cause. And they certainly don’t always do so with your health in mind.
You may want more natural remedies to manage the problem, and there are several ways to treat undesirable body odor and have a fresher and cleaner scent.
The Cause
The human body has many systems that are constantly at work, and waste byproducts are simply part of that process. The digestive process results in waste, our skin sweats to excrete waste, and the cells in our bodies are constantly replacing themselves. Just as we take in food, we put out waste. Body odor often occurs when inadequate bathing or hygiene fail to properly clean up the ‘messes’ our bodies make. Sweat contains bacterial activity and allowing it to dry on the skin can produce body odor. But it can also result from systemic deficiencies within the body.
In women, menstruation and stress often dramatically increases the degree of body odor. Yeast conditions such as candida can produce a beer-like smell since yeast can turn sugar into alcohol quickly within the body. Medical tests have shown that some people with body odor have ‘friendly bacteria’ imbalances.
Foods rich in the amino acid carnitine (found in beef and pork) are known to leave residues in the intestines which have to be worked on by the natural digestive flora. Specific enzymes known as flavin monooxygenases break the residues down to an odorless state ready for excretion. If they are in poor supply, missing, or bowel flora is disturbed, a “fishy” body odor can result.
What’s most important is that another function of the sweat glands in your armpits is to excrete toxins from your body. That’s why sweating is an important part of maintaining optimum physical health. You have to give your body a chance to get rid of various toxins through a variety of metabolic processes. Those include urination, passing fecal matter, exhaling carbon dioxide and other toxins through the lungs, and, of course, eliminating toxins through the skin. The skin, remember, is your body’s largest organ. Dangers can arise when we use ‘anti-perspirant’ deodorants as these block the pores and do not allow the toxins to come out.
The Fight
Apply Natural, Aluminium Free Deodorants
Various herbal and crystal deodorants are marketed as all-natural and can effectively control your body odor. Crystal deodorants formulated from ammonium alum are especially popular. Scientists warn that there are no government regulations or rules regarding the use of the word “natural,” and all products can be labeled as “natural.” If you’re wishing to avoid a specific chemical or ingredient, consult the natural deodorant’s ingredient list to make sure it doesn’t contain it. Organic products are usually the best choice.
Click here to read more about what you can do to fight off body odor naturally.